Tinubu Snubs Lobbyists, Blocks Desmond Elliot’s Bid for Fourth Term
President Bola Tinubu has dismissed repeated appeals to support Desmond Elliot’s fourth term bid in the Lagos State House of Assembly, presidency sources reveal. Several prominent figures—including a retired general, Elliot’s wife, a serving minister, a senator and other allies—urged the president to override Surulere APC stakeholders’ choice of Barakat Odunuga-Bakare to promote gender inclusion. Tinubu refused, stressing the need to honour internal party democracy and backing the endorsement of his Chief of Staff, Femi Gbajabiamila. Tinubu emphasised that the upcoming direct primary should reflect real grassroots support and warned that ignoring those who built one’s political base can be perilous. He also noted his limited personal link to Elliot, dating back only to a 2011 request by former President Obasanjo. The Surulere Accountability Front has backed stakeholders’ rejection of Elliot’s fourth term, accusing him of twelve years of poor representation. Its chairman said the constituency is ready for change and views Elliot’s extended tenure as unwarranted.
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